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Teaching English Volunteer Project Costa Rica - San Jose

Teaching English Volunteer Project Costa Rica - San Jose

Inspired to Teach English in Costa Rica - San José? International Volunteer HQ’s Teaching English project empowers volunteers to gain teaching experience while providing quality English lessons to people in low-income communities who might otherwise not have the chance to learn. Knowing how to speak English is a growing advantage for those in Latin America where the language is becoming more common and can give fluent speakers better education and employment opportunities.

Highlights:
  • Programs start every Monday
  • Affordable fees from $465 for 1 week
  • Includes accommodation, breakfast and dinner, airport pick up, orientation and 24/7 support

  • Help to teach English to local children and adults from low-income communities

  • Discover Costa Rica’s rich and ancient history

  • Experience daily life in San José by staying with a local family

'Who is going' users image
Who is going?
Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

Apply For Free

Key information

Improve access to quality education
Based in and around San José
Local homestay accommodation
Volunteers aged 16+
Fully hosted experience from $465 for 1 week
Durations from 1 - 24 weeks
Spanish language lessons available
Up to 5 hours volunteering a day

This program is ideal for:

Fluent English speakers who want to share their knowledge of the language. No previous experience is required, however a TEFL certificate can help volunteers gain more from the experience and run their own classes.
Who is this program suited to?

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

English is increasingly being seen as a universal language across Latin America, offering fluent speakers better opportunities in a range of sectors. However, disadvantaged communities don’t generally have good access to English lessons.

As a volunteer English teacher, you’ll help to teach the language in those communities where fluent English tutors are rare. With this shortage of teachers, your expertise as a fluent speaker is best used as a lead teacher. Teaching happens in schools and community centers, with students that range in age from children to adults. Because of the high demand for English lessons, students are generally eager to learn.

Teaching duties usually involve:

  • Teaching English classes
  • Tutoring students
  • Lesson planning
  • Setting up educational games and activities

Please note that schools in Costa Rica are closed from the third week of December until the second week of February and there is a two week holiday from the first week of July. When schools are closed, Teaching English volunteers usually teach in precarios (urban slums), after school programs, community centers or churches.

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education

More than half of all children and teens do not meet minimum proficiency standards in reading and mathematics. Quality education provides an opportunity to learn and grow in a safe environment and is key to preventing poverty, securing long-term employment and improving quality of life.

Why do Teaching English volunteering in San Jose with IVHQ?

When you volunteer as an English teacher in San José you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

  • Improving access to English classes for disadvantaged communities
  • Practicing your Spanish
  • Developing your communication skills
  • Gaining teaching abroad experience
  • Immersing yourself fully in the Costa Rican culture
  • Exploring San José, Costa Rica’s thriving capital

Volunteer requirements

  • Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
  • VVolunteers aged 16 or 17 on their program start date are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
  • Volunteers aged 16-18 volunteering without a parent or guardian can volunteer for a maximum duration of 12 weeks.
  • All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
  • All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
  • All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Are you eligible to volunteer?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

Apply For Free

Not sure which program to join?

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'Who is going' users image
Who is going?
Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

SJ
Sharnell Johnson
19 Mar 2024

I gained a lot of resources. I loved my experience and I’m in the process of trying to come back and volunteer for a year.

...
Profile: American, 29 Volunteer trip: Teaching English in Costa Rica
JB
Jenna Birdsell
14 Mar 2024

I truly believe that everyone should go on a trip through IVHQ, whether it is a week or a year, you will come back from it a better person. I have gained more knowledge in the 6 days I was in San Jose than I have all year at school. There are lessons that I learned that cannot be taught in a classroom, or on google, or reading a book. There is just something so different and astonishing about immersing yourself in a completely different culture than you are used to.

I took a leap of faith and truly did not know what I was about to embark on, but after adjusting and getting used to everything there, I was in heaven and wish with all my life I could have stayed longer. There is an adjustment period of about a day or two to get used to the life there but after that, I was living my best life and have never felt so content before. There is something so special about putting yourself out there and getting to know people from all around the world, being in a country that speaks a different language, all while making an impact on the lives of others who so desperately need the love and support from us.

I will never stop talking about this experience and pushing others to do it because I have such a greater appreciation for life itself. A piece of my heart is left with the kids I was lucky enough to teach, the family that I had the honor of staying with and getting to know, and all the beautiful humans I met from across the world, all while being immersed in a culture of truly living life to the fullest.

...
Profile: American, 22 Volunteer trip: Teaching English in Costa Rica
ES
Evajavon Stoudemire
05 Mar 2024

The experience gained from my IVHQ volunteer program gave me wonderful memories, cultural experiences, and growth during my stay. The cultural immersion, especially with the local team and host family truly allowed the growth that I was seeking, which I do not think I could have obtained in this magnitude from another method.

...
Profile: American, 61 Volunteer trip: Teaching English in Costa Rica
DC
Deborah Chandler
05 Mar 2024

I walked away learning much more than I could have ever taught in an English class! I left the program with gratitude, a better understanding of a different culture and self-awareness. My advice is to just do it! It’s never too late! I hope to have many more experiences to volunteer around the world.

...
Profile: American, 62 Volunteer trip: Teaching English in Costa Rica
NA
Nour Assem
30 Aug 2023

My experience as a teacher was simply humbling and wholesome. From the children’s big smiles and will to learn, despite the language barrier, to the warm welcome of Costa Rica’s people, I can only say that my expectations were exceeded. My advice to anyone: Go for it! It’s an experience of a lifetime that might seem scary and out of the box but it’s nothing but rewarding.

...
Profile: Canadian, 26 Volunteer trip: Teaching English in Costa Rica
JW
Jacky Westover
03 May 2023

I thoroughly enjoyed being immersed into the Costa Rican culture. I loved writing in my journal every morning and capturing highlights every day. I could reflect on something special and rewarding. I enjoyed teaching, and the many excursions I was able to experience only added to an overall wonderful volunteer experience. Probably my last day of teaching was my favorite experience when so many children came up and gave me “leg hugs” and just the look in their eyes was really special.

If you're still hesitating about volunteering abroad, just do it! It’s wonderful! Go in with an open mind, and lots of flexibility. Remain positive throughout whatever is thrown at you and you will cherish the experience and memories forever.

...
Profile: American, 57 Volunteer trip: Teaching English in Costa Rica

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Academic course credit through International Volunteer HQ and Intern Abroad HQ.

Academic course credit

Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!

Learn about course credit
Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica San Jose with IVHQ

Location

San José is Costa Rica’s modern, metropolitan, cultural hub. The capital city has been hailed as one of the most visited destinations in Central America and is the central point for tourists arriving in Costa Rica. It’s got excellent eateries, an interesting variety of museums, markets, shops, parks and nightlife and is only a short trip to any of the numerous natural attractions and adventures in the region.

Arrival and orientation

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San José on the Sunday before your start date.

When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and taken to the volunteer accommodation in San José. This is included in your Program Fee.

We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation. If you are traveling in Costa Rica prior to your program, the local team will pick you up at your San José accommodation the day before your orientation.

Your check out is at 11am on the last Saturday of your program.

The compulsory program orientation is hosted by our Costa Rica team at their offices in San José on Sunday or Monday.

Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Costa Rica – an introduction to Costa Rica, its customs, language training details, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Costa Rica, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.

Volunteer schedule example

First day

You will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.

Weekdays

During the week, you will have a morning or afternoon shift, which will last around 3 to 5 hours. Your volunteer work and hours are dependent on the location and type of project you are participating in but a typical morning schedule is as follows:

8:00 AM Breakfast with your host family.
9:00 AM Leave home and travel to your placement. You will join the local staff and will receive a duty roster and plan for work.
12:00 PM Lunch at a local restaurant.
1:00 - 6:00 PM Work at the placement usually ends. You are free to travel back to your accommodation, go sightseeing or take Spanish lessons.
7:00 PM Dinner with the host family.

Weekends

Whether you want to explore or relax on your weekends in San José , there’s plenty of opportunity to do both. Stroll down the bustling Central Avenue in downtown San José and take in a museum, listen to street performers or do some shopping. Then check out the stunning architecture of the National Theater of Costa Rica, taste-test the city’s fabulous coffee or sample a brew from San José ’s blossoming craft-beer industry.

It’s worth noting that Sunday is a religious day of rest and many stores and restaurants will be closed. Costa Ricans tend to devote Sundays to spending time with their family. If you wish, you can accompany your host family to their local church, as a Latin American church service is a unique and special experience for many volunteers.

On long weekends you may choose to travel around the rest of Costa Rica and the many cities, volcanoes, jungles, coffee plantations and beaches which are more than worth a visit. Many of these are only a short trip from San José .

Most IVHQ volunteers choose to take advantage of our Costa Rica - Travel and tour add-ons in their free time. Please note that volunteers on more remote projects such as Turtle Conservation and Eco-Agriculture Conservation will only be able to join these activities before or after their program.

Accommodation and WiFi

In San Jose volunteers are accommodated in homestays with local families - it’s an immersive experience that connects you with an authentic insight into the Costa Rican way of life. You will find living conditions are comfortable and you can expect your accomodation to have electricity, drinkable running water and western bathrooms. Low pressure showers are common and the water is not always heated. Bedrooms have single and bunk beds with bedding provided. You can expect to share a room with up to six other volunteers of the same gender in most homestays It is possible for volunteers to upgrade to a private room (double bed, shared washroom) for $62 per person, per week.

If you are traveling as a family, the local team will place you in a separate homestay to ensure all family members are accommodated together.

Please note, volunteers under the age of 18 who are traveling solo will be accommodated separately from those over the age of 18. If there are other volunteers under the age of 18 participating at the same time, the local team will do their best to ensure they are accommodated together.

WiFi is available at the homestays, and you will also have access to computers and WiFi at the local team’s office in San José.

Meals

Volunteers are provided with breakfast and dinner at their accommodation. Breakfast typically consists of toast, fruit, eggs, rice and beans accompanied with tea or coffee. Dinner usually includes: meat (typically chicken), starches and vegetables. Costa Rica’s national dish, Gallo Pinto, is made of rice and beans and served with nearly every meal. Lunches are not provided to San José -based volunteers, as they are typically away from their accommodation at midday. Budget between $5 and $10 per day to buy lunch.

If you have specific dietary requirements, our local teams and homestays can cater to you, however keep in mind that as a volunteer, there is a need to be flexible.

Pricing

  • USD
    • United States Dollars - $
    • Australian Dollars - AU$
    • British Pound Sterling - £
    • Canadian Dollars - CA$
    • Chinese Yuan - CN¥
    • Euros - €
    • Mexican Pesos - MX$
    • New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
    • Singapore Dollars - SG$
    • Swiss Francs - CHF
    • UAE Dirhams - AED
Duration
Program Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
  • USD
    • United States Dollars - $
    • Australian Dollars - AU$
    • British Pound Sterling - £
    • Canadian Dollars - CA$
    • Chinese Yuan - CN¥
    • Euros - €
    • Mexican Pesos - MX$
    • New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
    • Singapore Dollars - SG$
    • Swiss Francs - CHF
    • UAE Dirhams - AED
1 week $465 Equivalent to $66/day
2 weeks $755 Equivalent to $54/day
3 weeks $1,055 Equivalent to $50/day
4 weeks $1,330 Equivalent to $48/day
5 weeks $1,545 Equivalent to $44/day
6 weeks $1,760 Equivalent to $42/day
8 weeks $2,190 Equivalent to $39/day
10 weeks $2,620 Equivalent to $37/day
12 weeks $3,050 Equivalent to $36/day
16 weeks $3,910 Equivalent to $35/day
20 weeks $4,770 Equivalent to $34/day
24 weeks $5,630 Equivalent to $34/day
Apply for free
  • Accommodation
  • Breakfast and dinner
  • 24/7 in-country support
  • In-country program orientation
  • Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
  • Airport pick-up
  • Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
  • Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
  • Discounts on language lessons
  • Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
  • Certificate of International Volunteer Service

Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.

  • All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately $329) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
  • A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
  • Additional things to budget for include: Visa, flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check, public transportation to and from your placement each day and return to the airport when your program finishes.
  • Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Costa Rica generally find US$150 - US$200 per week to be sufficient for expenses. For Turtle Conservation and Eco-Agriculture projects, volunteers can bring less spending money as the location is remote and all meals will be provided.

Free-time experiences & tours in Costa Rica

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Costa Rica! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Costa Rica program.

Beach and Jungle Mini Adventure - Manuel Antonio
Beach and Jungle Mini Adventure - Manuel Antonio

Immerse yourself in Manuel Antonio’s stunning natural beauty and thrilling activities on this 6-day adventure

$920

Beach and Jungle Mini Adventure (6 days, 7 nights) - Manuel Antonio

Beach and Jungle Mini Adventure (6 days, 7 nights) - Manuel Antonio
The Beach & Jungle Adventure week allows volunteers to really explore the beauty of this stunning part of Costa Rica. This 6-day adventure complements your volunteer experience without the hassle of arranging your own trips and accommodations. It begins on Sunday and finishes on Friday, and accommodation is included from the Saturday before your adventure begins. 

This Mini Adventure includes:

MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK
Manuel Antonio National Park is considered one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica! You visit pristine beaches and coral reefs amid the natural wonders of the tropical rainforest. You make a short hike into the jungle and from there can choose to relax and enjoy the beach, sunbathe, or trek through the park’s trails. In the park, there are multiple species of monkeys, iguanas, birds, and sloths. Bilingual guide, entrance fees, and snacks included.

RAINMAKER JUNGLE TOUR
Rainmaker Park is a private biological reserve originally created for scientific research. The Park is located approximately 30 minutes from Manuel Antonio. The tour begins with a short hike through the rainforest, looking for birds, insects, and amphibians, as you trek over hanging bridges and natural trails up to the top of Rainmaker Mountain–at the summit, there is an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean! The hike continues on trails and through the Canopy Walk bridge system spanning 250 meters (1/4 mile). The suspended bridge design permits minimal forest impact, while giving hikers the opportunity to explore the rainforest from a bird’s eye view. The tour also includes a visit to several waterfalls and a refreshing dip in a natural pool. The tour ends with a delicious traditional Costa Rican lunch. Bilingual guide, entrance fees, and lunch included.

CANOPY ZIP-LINE
A beautiful zipline adventure in Costa Rica! The tour begins with a short 20-minute drive to Santuario Park, which is an extensive primary rainforest. The zip lines are long and fast and Santuario Park Canopy has the third-longest cable in the world–approximately 1.6 km (1 mile) long. The tour has over 3.6 km (2.2 miles) of total zip line across 10 lines and 14 tree platforms. Other activities include nature walks, hanging bridges, and a rappelling activity. Bilingual guide and lunch included.

RAINMAKER TOUR
Visit a private biological reserve originally created for scientific research. The tour begins with a short hike through the rainforest, looking for birds, insects, and amphibians, as you trek over hanging bridges and natural trails up to the top of Rainmaker Mountain–at the summit there is an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean! The hike continues on trails and through the Canopy Walk bridge system spanning 250 meters (1/4 mile). The suspended bridge design permits minimal impact on he forest's ecosystem while giving hikers the opportunity to explore the rainforest from a bird’s eye view. The tour also includes a visit to several waterfalls and a refreshing dip in a natural pool. 

WHITE WATER RAFTING
The tour begins with a 1-hour drive from Manuel Antonio past rural villages and palm tree plantations. Participants will have the chance to river-raft through class II and III rapids. The trip is filled with the incredible landscapes and natural waterfalls of the rainforest.  There is a safety orientation so everyone understands the basics of rafting–no previous experience necessary! All rafting equipment, an expert river guide, and snacks are included. The activity includes snacks and a typical Costa Rican meal after the tour.

NAUYACA WATERFALL
Nauyaca Waterfall is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic natural attractions! The tour begins with a 1-hour drive, followed by a 4.8 km (3 miles) hike back to Nauyaca. At Nauyaca Falls, most hikers love to take a refreshing dip in the pool at the bottom of the waterfall. Time and weather permitting, the hike may also include a stop at Portalón Waterfall. On the way back to Manuel Antonio, participants enjoy a delicious, traditional Costa Rica lunch. This is a scenery-rich tour and participants always take amazing photos! Bilingual guide and lunch included.

TRIMARAN SAILS TOUR

This is an amazing ocean tour sailing along Manuel Antonio’s gorgeous Pacific coast. Participants enjoy free-flowing drinks and snacks at the onboard bar during the cruise to Biesanz Beach. Along the way, participants may be able to spot sea turtles, dolphins, and migrating whales (seasonal). At the beach, participants can swim, snorkel, or just bask under the sun.

*The local team also required a copy of your passport, as per Costa Rica tourism requirements. You can upload this to your MyIVHQ checklist when you're registered for the program. 
...
$920 pp
  • USD
    • United States Dollars - $
    • Australian Dollars - AU$
    • British Pound Sterling - £
    • Canadian Dollars - CA$
    • Chinese Yuan - CN¥
    • Euros - €
    • Mexican Pesos - MX$
    • New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
    • Singapore Dollars - SG$
    • Swiss Francs - CHF
    • UAE Dirhams - AED
What's included
  • Round-trip transport from San Jose
  • Homestay accommodation
  • Bilingual Guide
  • All entrance fees
  • 5 x lunches
How to book?
  1. Apply and register for an IVHQ volunteer program
  2. Your dedicated IVHQ Program Manager will confirm availability and book your place on your chosen tour(s) and help you organize your trip.
Apply to volunteer Log in
Coffee & Nature Experience - San Jose
Coffee & Nature Experience - San Jose

Embark on a full-day adventure exploring La Paz Waterfall Gardens, an animal sanctuary, and a Poas Volcano Tour, followrd by a Coffee Farm experience.

$220

Coffee & Nature Experience (Full Day) - San Jose

Coffee & Nature Experience (Full Day) - San Jose
Begin your journey with a satisfying traditional breakfast at a famous coffee estate, followed by an informative coffee farm tour. Next, explore the active Poas Volcano National Park with a 1 km hike to Botos Lagoon, learning about its various ecosystems. Your day continues at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, where you'll enjoy a walk through the rainforest and a delightful buffet lunch. 

The tour will have an early start and you'll be picked up around 5:45 am from your accommodation. The total duration will be approximately 9 hours.


...
$220 pp
  • USD
    • United States Dollars - $
    • Australian Dollars - AU$
    • British Pound Sterling - £
    • Canadian Dollars - CA$
    • Chinese Yuan - CN¥
    • Euros - €
    • Mexican Pesos - MX$
    • New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
    • Singapore Dollars - SG$
    • Swiss Francs - CHF
    • UAE Dirhams - AED
What's included
  • Round-trip transport from San Jose
  • Local bilingual guide
  • Breakfast and lunch
  • All entrance fees
How to book?
  1. Apply and register for an IVHQ volunteer program
  2. Your dedicated IVHQ Program Manager will confirm availability and book your place on your chosen tour(s) and help you organize your trip.
Apply to volunteer Log in
Mini Adventure - San Jose
Mini Adventure - San Jose

Experience a comprehensive 6-day Mini Adventure, featuring Arenal Volcano, the Britt Coffee Tour, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, whitewater rafting, and a visit to the pristine Tortuga Island.

$1255

Mini Adventure (6 days, 7 nights) - San Jose

Mini Adventure (6 days, 7 nights) - San Jose
This 6-day adventure complements your volunteer experience, without the stress of trip planning! It will begin on Sunday and finish the following Saturday morning, and accommodation is included from the Saturday before your adventure begins.

This Mini Adventure includes:

ARENAL VOLCANO & HOT SPRINGS
Arenal is a majestic active volcano in the northern part of Costa Rica. En route, you stop at Sarchi, a town known for its beautiful and intricate Costa Rican arts and crafts, and souvenirs. You enjoy a typical lunch overlooking Arenal volcano at La Fortuna before relaxing at the Hot Springs Resort & Spa. Wade and swim in mineral pools filled with naturally hot water from volcanic springs. After a delicious buffet dinner, you head back to San Jose.

BRITT COFFEE TOUR
Learn how Café Britt changed the course of history and coffee beans in Costa Rica! This tour shares the story behind Costa Rica’s most famous gourmet coffee. The guided tour lets you trace the process of coffee production from bean to cup and discover how Costa Rica’s unique micro climates and fertile soils create the ideal conditions for growing the world’s best coffee beans. You also learn from the experts how to prepare coffee using traditional methods. Of course, the tour culminates in a coffee tasting! Bilingual guide and entrance fees included.

LA PAZ WATERFALL GARDENS & ANIMAL SANCTUARY

The tour begins with a drive along the Panamerican Highway and passes by the Agriculture Monument, the Monument to Juan Santamaria, and the famous Mango Park. La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a nature park and wildlife sanctuary where participants hike along natural and manmade trails in the rainforest, trekking from waterfall to waterfall. In the wildlife sanctuary, participants visit the largest butterfly observatory in Costa Rica, an impressive hummingbird gallery, serpentarium, and see monkeys, birds, and big cats. The tour ends with a delicious buffet lunch. Bilingual guide, entrance fees, and lunch included.

WHITEWATER RAFTING

The Pacuare River is a truly memorable whitewater rafting adventure! This tour combines nature, wilderness, and excitement. Rio Pacuare runs through a true river gorge and is flanked by steep rock and filled with wildlife and cascading waterfalls along the route. The whitewater includes Class III, IV, and V rapids and it is an exciting descent! Along the way, there is a buffet lunch served on the river bank. Before starting the adventure, there is a safety orientation so everyone understands the basics of rafting–no previous experience necessary! During the route, professional photographers take pictures and shoot videos, which can be purchased at the end of the trip. All equipment is provided, including a helmet, paddle, and lifevest. Expert bilingual river guide and lunch included.

TORTUGA ISLAND

Tortuga Island is located 22.2 km (12 miles) off Puntarenas on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. The island is a 48.5-hectare (120-acre) protected nature reserve It has an area of 120 acres, as it remains a protected forest; and is recognized as an “Ecological Blue Flag site” due to its pollution-free, crystal clear waters that are free of pollution. On the trip out to the island, participants may spot dolphins, sea turtles, and aquatic birds. On the island, participants bask on the white sand beaches, take a swim in the ocean, hike the nature trails, and enjoy lunch. Breakfast and lunch are included.

CULTURAL NIGHT

Enjoy a traditional dinner in a restaurant perched high above the mountains overlooking San Jose. From this unique vantage point, you enjoy panoramic views of the Central Valley and explore ‘Tico’ folklore through traditional dances and marimba music.

*Please note the order of these activities is subject to change.

Important note:
The Mini Adventure Week can be completed the week prior to your program beginning or the week after your program finishes. This means that if you want to volunteer for 2 weeks and add the Mini Adventure week to your itinerary, you’ll be hosted by the local team for a total of 3 weeks. Please note, if you complete this the week prior to your start date an extra night of accommodation will be required for the Saturday between this activity and your program starting (unless you are volunteering in Manuel Antonio which includes Saturday night), at an additional cost of US$40.

*The local team also required a copy of your passport, as per Costa Rica tourism requirements. You can upload this directly to your MyIVHQ Checklist.
...
$1255 pp
  • USD
    • United States Dollars - $
    • Australian Dollars - AU$
    • British Pound Sterling - £
    • Canadian Dollars - CA$
    • Chinese Yuan - CN¥
    • Euros - €
    • Mexican Pesos - MX$
    • New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
    • Singapore Dollars - SG$
    • Swiss Francs - CHF
    • UAE Dirhams - AED
What's included
  • Round-trip transportation from San Jose to all tour venues
  • Bilingual guide
  • All entrance fees
  • Breakfast and dinner x 6 days
  • Lunches x 4 days
  • Homestay accommodation
How to book?
  1. Apply and register for an IVHQ volunteer program
  2. Your dedicated IVHQ Program Manager will confirm availability and book your place on your chosen tour(s) and help you organize your trip.
Apply to volunteer Log in
Beach and Jungle Mini Adventure - Manuel Antonio
Beach and Jungle Mini Adventure - Manuel Antonio

Immerse yourself in Manuel Antonio’s stunning natural beauty and thrilling activities on this 6-day adventure

$920

Beach and Jungle Mini Adventure (6 days, 7 nights) - Manuel Antonio

Beach and Jungle Mini Adventure (6 days, 7 nights) - Manuel Antonio
The Beach & Jungle Adventure week allows volunteers to really explore the beauty of this stunning part of Costa Rica. This 6-day adventure complements your volunteer experience without the hassle of arranging your own trips and accommodations. It begins on Sunday and finishes on Friday, and accommodation is included from the Saturday before your adventure begins. 

This Mini Adventure includes:

MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK
Manuel Antonio National Park is considered one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica! You visit pristine beaches and coral reefs amid the natural wonders of the tropical rainforest. You make a short hike into the jungle and from there can choose to relax and enjoy the beach, sunbathe, or trek through the park’s trails. In the park, there are multiple species of monkeys, iguanas, birds, and sloths. Bilingual guide, entrance fees, and snacks included.

RAINMAKER JUNGLE TOUR
Rainmaker Park is a private biological reserve originally created for scientific research. The Park is located approximately 30 minutes from Manuel Antonio. The tour begins with a short hike through the rainforest, looking for birds, insects, and amphibians, as you trek over hanging bridges and natural trails up to the top of Rainmaker Mountain–at the summit, there is an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean! The hike continues on trails and through the Canopy Walk bridge system spanning 250 meters (1/4 mile). The suspended bridge design permits minimal forest impact, while giving hikers the opportunity to explore the rainforest from a bird’s eye view. The tour also includes a visit to several waterfalls and a refreshing dip in a natural pool. The tour ends with a delicious traditional Costa Rican lunch. Bilingual guide, entrance fees, and lunch included.

CANOPY ZIP-LINE
A beautiful zipline adventure in Costa Rica! The tour begins with a short 20-minute drive to Santuario Park, which is an extensive primary rainforest. The zip lines are long and fast and Santuario Park Canopy has the third-longest cable in the world–approximately 1.6 km (1 mile) long. The tour has over 3.6 km (2.2 miles) of total zip line across 10 lines and 14 tree platforms. Other activities include nature walks, hanging bridges, and a rappelling activity. Bilingual guide and lunch included.

RAINMAKER TOUR
Visit a private biological reserve originally created for scientific research. The tour begins with a short hike through the rainforest, looking for birds, insects, and amphibians, as you trek over hanging bridges and natural trails up to the top of Rainmaker Mountain–at the summit there is an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean! The hike continues on trails and through the Canopy Walk bridge system spanning 250 meters (1/4 mile). The suspended bridge design permits minimal impact on he forest's ecosystem while giving hikers the opportunity to explore the rainforest from a bird’s eye view. The tour also includes a visit to several waterfalls and a refreshing dip in a natural pool. 

WHITE WATER RAFTING
The tour begins with a 1-hour drive from Manuel Antonio past rural villages and palm tree plantations. Participants will have the chance to river-raft through class II and III rapids. The trip is filled with the incredible landscapes and natural waterfalls of the rainforest.  There is a safety orientation so everyone understands the basics of rafting–no previous experience necessary! All rafting equipment, an expert river guide, and snacks are included. The activity includes snacks and a typical Costa Rican meal after the tour.

NAUYACA WATERFALL
Nauyaca Waterfall is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic natural attractions! The tour begins with a 1-hour drive, followed by a 4.8 km (3 miles) hike back to Nauyaca. At Nauyaca Falls, most hikers love to take a refreshing dip in the pool at the bottom of the waterfall. Time and weather permitting, the hike may also include a stop at Portalón Waterfall. On the way back to Manuel Antonio, participants enjoy a delicious, traditional Costa Rica lunch. This is a scenery-rich tour and participants always take amazing photos! Bilingual guide and lunch included.

TRIMARAN SAILS TOUR

This is an amazing ocean tour sailing along Manuel Antonio’s gorgeous Pacific coast. Participants enjoy free-flowing drinks and snacks at the onboard bar during the cruise to Biesanz Beach. Along the way, participants may be able to spot sea turtles, dolphins, and migrating whales (seasonal). At the beach, participants can swim, snorkel, or just bask under the sun.

*The local team also required a copy of your passport, as per Costa Rica tourism requirements. You can upload this to your MyIVHQ checklist when you're registered for the program. 
...
$920 pp
  • USD
    • United States Dollars - $
    • Australian Dollars - AU$
    • British Pound Sterling - £
    • Canadian Dollars - CA$
    • Chinese Yuan - CN¥
    • Euros - €
    • Mexican Pesos - MX$
    • New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
    • Singapore Dollars - SG$
    • Swiss Francs - CHF
    • UAE Dirhams - AED
What's included
  • Round-trip transport from San Jose
  • Homestay accommodation
  • Bilingual Guide
  • All entrance fees
  • 5 x lunches
How to book?
  1. Apply and register for an IVHQ volunteer program
  2. Your dedicated IVHQ Program Manager will confirm availability and book your place on your chosen tour(s) and help you organize your trip.
Apply to volunteer Log in
Coffee & Nature Experience - San Jose
Coffee & Nature Experience - San Jose

Embark on a full-day adventure exploring La Paz Waterfall Gardens, an animal sanctuary, and a Poas Volcano Tour, followrd by a Coffee Farm experience.

$220

Coffee & Nature Experience (Full Day) - San Jose

Coffee & Nature Experience (Full Day) - San Jose
Begin your journey with a satisfying traditional breakfast at a famous coffee estate, followed by an informative coffee farm tour. Next, explore the active Poas Volcano National Park with a 1 km hike to Botos Lagoon, learning about its various ecosystems. Your day continues at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, where you'll enjoy a walk through the rainforest and a delightful buffet lunch. 

The tour will have an early start and you'll be picked up around 5:45 am from your accommodation. The total duration will be approximately 9 hours.


...
$220 pp
  • USD
    • United States Dollars - $
    • Australian Dollars - AU$
    • British Pound Sterling - £
    • Canadian Dollars - CA$
    • Chinese Yuan - CN¥
    • Euros - €
    • Mexican Pesos - MX$
    • New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
    • Singapore Dollars - SG$
    • Swiss Francs - CHF
    • UAE Dirhams - AED
What's included
  • Round-trip transport from San Jose
  • Local bilingual guide
  • Breakfast and lunch
  • All entrance fees
How to book?
  1. Apply and register for an IVHQ volunteer program
  2. Your dedicated IVHQ Program Manager will confirm availability and book your place on your chosen tour(s) and help you organize your trip.
Apply to volunteer Log in
Mini Adventure - San Jose
Mini Adventure - San Jose

Experience a comprehensive 6-day Mini Adventure, featuring Arenal Volcano, the Britt Coffee Tour, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, whitewater rafting, and a visit to the pristine Tortuga Island.

$1255

Mini Adventure (6 days, 7 nights) - San Jose

Mini Adventure (6 days, 7 nights) - San Jose
This 6-day adventure complements your volunteer experience, without the stress of trip planning! It will begin on Sunday and finish the following Saturday morning, and accommodation is included from the Saturday before your adventure begins.

This Mini Adventure includes:

ARENAL VOLCANO & HOT SPRINGS
Arenal is a majestic active volcano in the northern part of Costa Rica. En route, you stop at Sarchi, a town known for its beautiful and intricate Costa Rican arts and crafts, and souvenirs. You enjoy a typical lunch overlooking Arenal volcano at La Fortuna before relaxing at the Hot Springs Resort & Spa. Wade and swim in mineral pools filled with naturally hot water from volcanic springs. After a delicious buffet dinner, you head back to San Jose.

BRITT COFFEE TOUR
Learn how Café Britt changed the course of history and coffee beans in Costa Rica! This tour shares the story behind Costa Rica’s most famous gourmet coffee. The guided tour lets you trace the process of coffee production from bean to cup and discover how Costa Rica’s unique micro climates and fertile soils create the ideal conditions for growing the world’s best coffee beans. You also learn from the experts how to prepare coffee using traditional methods. Of course, the tour culminates in a coffee tasting! Bilingual guide and entrance fees included.

LA PAZ WATERFALL GARDENS & ANIMAL SANCTUARY

The tour begins with a drive along the Panamerican Highway and passes by the Agriculture Monument, the Monument to Juan Santamaria, and the famous Mango Park. La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a nature park and wildlife sanctuary where participants hike along natural and manmade trails in the rainforest, trekking from waterfall to waterfall. In the wildlife sanctuary, participants visit the largest butterfly observatory in Costa Rica, an impressive hummingbird gallery, serpentarium, and see monkeys, birds, and big cats. The tour ends with a delicious buffet lunch. Bilingual guide, entrance fees, and lunch included.

WHITEWATER RAFTING

The Pacuare River is a truly memorable whitewater rafting adventure! This tour combines nature, wilderness, and excitement. Rio Pacuare runs through a true river gorge and is flanked by steep rock and filled with wildlife and cascading waterfalls along the route. The whitewater includes Class III, IV, and V rapids and it is an exciting descent! Along the way, there is a buffet lunch served on the river bank. Before starting the adventure, there is a safety orientation so everyone understands the basics of rafting–no previous experience necessary! During the route, professional photographers take pictures and shoot videos, which can be purchased at the end of the trip. All equipment is provided, including a helmet, paddle, and lifevest. Expert bilingual river guide and lunch included.

TORTUGA ISLAND

Tortuga Island is located 22.2 km (12 miles) off Puntarenas on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. The island is a 48.5-hectare (120-acre) protected nature reserve It has an area of 120 acres, as it remains a protected forest; and is recognized as an “Ecological Blue Flag site” due to its pollution-free, crystal clear waters that are free of pollution. On the trip out to the island, participants may spot dolphins, sea turtles, and aquatic birds. On the island, participants bask on the white sand beaches, take a swim in the ocean, hike the nature trails, and enjoy lunch. Breakfast and lunch are included.

CULTURAL NIGHT

Enjoy a traditional dinner in a restaurant perched high above the mountains overlooking San Jose. From this unique vantage point, you enjoy panoramic views of the Central Valley and explore ‘Tico’ folklore through traditional dances and marimba music.

*Please note the order of these activities is subject to change.

Important note:
The Mini Adventure Week can be completed the week prior to your program beginning or the week after your program finishes. This means that if you want to volunteer for 2 weeks and add the Mini Adventure week to your itinerary, you’ll be hosted by the local team for a total of 3 weeks. Please note, if you complete this the week prior to your start date an extra night of accommodation will be required for the Saturday between this activity and your program starting (unless you are volunteering in Manuel Antonio which includes Saturday night), at an additional cost of US$40.

*The local team also required a copy of your passport, as per Costa Rica tourism requirements. You can upload this directly to your MyIVHQ Checklist.
...
$1255 pp
  • USD
    • United States Dollars - $
    • Australian Dollars - AU$
    • British Pound Sterling - £
    • Canadian Dollars - CA$
    • Chinese Yuan - CN¥
    • Euros - €
    • Mexican Pesos - MX$
    • New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
    • Singapore Dollars - SG$
    • Swiss Francs - CHF
    • UAE Dirhams - AED
What's included
  • Round-trip transportation from San Jose to all tour venues
  • Bilingual guide
  • All entrance fees
  • Breakfast and dinner x 6 days
  • Lunches x 4 days
  • Homestay accommodation
How to book?
  1. Apply and register for an IVHQ volunteer program
  2. Your dedicated IVHQ Program Manager will confirm availability and book your place on your chosen tour(s) and help you organize your trip.
Apply to volunteer Log in
View all experiences

Spanish language lessons

Fluency in Spanish is not a prerequisite for the IVHQ Costa Rica program, however, learning basic conversational Spanish will help you maximize the benefit of your program. The language lessons are tailored to each volunteer’s current level of Spanish and classes run from Monday through to Friday. The cost is very affordable and offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers. Please note these lessons are not available on the Holiday Experience, Eco-Agriculture or Turtle Conservation projects.

San Jose Language Lessons:

  • 2-hour Small Group Classes: $180 (approximately $180) per week
  • 1-hour Private Classes: $205 (approximately $205) per week
  • 2-hour Private Classes: $400 (approximately $400) per week

Check what's required to visit Costa Rica

Safety and support with IVHQ

Safety and support

IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.

  • All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
  • All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
  • All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
  • All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Learn more about IVHQ's safety

Essential country information

Capital San Jose
Population 5 million
Languages Spanish
Currency Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Time zone UTC−06:00

Weather and climate: Costa Rica is unequivocally a tropical country. Although you get much cooler temperatures in the mountains, the average annual temperature for most of the country lies between 71°F (21.7°C) and 81°F (27°C). The coolest months are from November through to January, and the warmest months are from March through to May. San Jose stands at approximately 1170 meters altitude and has a mean annual temperature of 69°F (20.6°C).

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